Dublin dancers had the privilege of welcoming Mason Ames (son of Buildings and Grounds do-it-all man extraordinaire Larry Ames) into the studio for a master class last month. Mason is a circus artist focused in partner acrobatics. He was recently a performer in the seven-member company of the popular show Traces, conceived by the innovative Canadian circus company Les Sept Doigts de La Main, or The Seven Fingers. He had a two-day stopover in Dublin on his way back up to Canada where he will be developing a new show, opening in New York City in January 2014.

Mason worked with our dancers on some basic acrobatic skills and partnering, particularly focused on finding balance points, giving and taking weight, and offered those willing to take the risk the opportunity to “fly” or be lifted high into the air. Though we won’t be able to replicate the most impressive feats of the day, we have incorporated some “carrying” into our upcoming dance performance for Family Weekend, inspired by our work with Mason.

Dublin students will have another opportunity to experience the circus when Nimble Arts, based in Brattleboro give a performance and workshop in February as part of the Humanities Series.